Article of luggage



April 1927' 0. WALINSIKY ARTICLE OF LUGGAGE Filed Feb. '19, 1926 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 til, 19 1927. Y AP o. J. WALINSKY ARTICLE 0F LUGGAGE Filed Feb. 19. 1926 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Patented Apr. 19, Z 1927.

U ITED STATES i,325,439 rarur ices.

OSSIP JOSEPH WALINSKY, Fv SEA GATE, YORK, ASSIGNOB, TO LUGGAGE CO. INC., OF NEW YORK, N. Y., A CORPORATION OF NEW YORK.

ARTIGLEOF LUGGAGE.

Application filed February 19, 1926. Serial No. 89,290.

This invention relates to. articles of luggage and has for an object the provision of an article of luggage having an increased baggage capacity. 1 p

. Lhe present types of luggage have been found in many instances to beunsatisfactory on account of their limited carrying capacity in comparison to their side. This is due to the fact that in closing them a comparatively large amount of baggage space is occupied by the folding or bending of the closure members.

The present invention overcomes this difficulty by providing a bag in which the folded closure members occupy such a small space as to leave virtually the whole of the interior of the bag available for baggage. This is accomplished by connecting the ends of two similarly shaped, oppositely disposed sections, having a flexible bottom formed as an integral part of both sections, with substantially V-shaped, flexible strips extendiing from the bottom to the top of the sec tions. Means are provided for holding the tops of the sections apart to permit access to the interior of the bag and also for causing the flexible strips to be folded in such a manner as to extend into the bag upon closure of the same. The folded strips occupy but a small amount of space in the center of the bag leaving the interior of each section free for baggage. I

A more comprehensive understanding of the features and merits of this invention can be obtained by reference to the accompanying drawings illustrating the same wherein Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a device embodying the invention in closed position; Fig. 2 is a similar view of the device in open position; Fig. 3 is a view similar to Fig. 1 of a modified embodiment, and F 4 is a view similar to F 2 of the device illustrated in Fig. 3

Referring toFigs. 1 and 2, represents a piece of luggage or hand bag composed of two similarly shaped, oppositely disposed sections 11 having sides sloping slightly from top to bottom. These sections are joined by a flexible bottom member 12 which is formed as an integral part of the two sections. The usual reinforcing corners 13 are provided to add strength to the structure.

In order that the bag may be opened to permit the insertion of articles and that upon closing a maximum amount of space is available for such articles, the respective ends of the sections 11 are gom ed by substantially V-shaped flexible strips 14 extending fronrthe bottom 12 to the top of the sections. A frame composed of members 1:; and 16, pivotally joined at 1'? and secured one to each of the sections 11, serves as a brace for the device and-as ameans for cured to the frame members 15 and 16 adjacent to their pivotal connection. For this reason when the device is open, i. e. when the tops of the sections are forced apart, the ends of the frame are elevated causing the strips to be straightened to lie in a plane substantially coincident with that of the ends of the sections. In this position the bottom of the device is slightly bowed as indicated, owing to its flexibility. lrvhen the device is closed the ends of the frame are depressed causing the strips to bend as shown by the lines in Fig. 2 until upon the complete closing of the device'the strips will be completely folded in such a manner as to extend perpendicularly into the interior of the bag. v

From this description it will be seen that such a small amount of space is occupied by the strip 14 when folded that practically the entire space of both sections is available for baggage.

Referring now to the embodiment illustrated in Figs. 3 and 4, a device composed of sections 31 of uniform thickness are joined by a bottom 32 similar to the bottom 12 previously described. Reinforcements 33 are also provided. Strips 34 similar to strips 14 to serve the same function of connecting the ends of the sections.

A supporting frame composed of angle bars 36 connected by toggle members 37 to which the tops of strips 34 are fastened are secured one to each of the sections. Handles 38, lock members 39 and 39, catch members 40 and 40, and straps 41 of conventional design are provided for locking the bag securely in closed position.

When th-e'device is opened the toggle members 37 cause the strips 34 to be flatened out in the same manner as that described in connection with the strips l l. hen the device is closed the toggle members force the center of the strips inwardly causing;- them to fold and extend straight into the interior of the bag. As pointed out in connection with the device illustrated in Figs. 1 and :2 the strips when folded oc cupy but a very small amount o't space leaving; practically the entire capacity of the sections available for baggage.

l t to be understood that the present invention is not to be limited by the illustrated en'ibodiments but only by such struc tures as come within the scope of the appended claim.

\Vhat- I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent ol' the UnitedStates is:

In a device of the character described, the

combination of: two similarly shaped oppositely disposed sections, a flexible bottom formed as a part of the sections, frame members secured to opposite top edges of said sections, toggle members connecting opposite corners of said frame members, sub stantially V-shaped flexible members con necting the ends 0i opposite sections and extending from the bottom to the top thereof and secured to said toggle members, said toggle members being fold-able within said frame members to cause said V-shaped flexible members to fold centrally upon the closing ot' said device.

In testimony \vhereo'h I have signed my name to this specification.

OSSIP JOSEPH lVALINSlsIY. 

